By Armando “BUTZ” Bartolome
Behind every successful entrepreneur is a story of grit, resilience, and an unyielding drive to rise above adversity. Lodevina “Luz” Bernardo exemplifies these qualities through her remarkable journey from being a pharmacist and call center agent to an innovator in agriculture and food distribution. Her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream and work hard to turn those dreams into reality.
From Pharmacist to Farmer
Luz started her career as a medical representative, using her pharmacy degree to secure a steady job. However, the desire to contribute more to her family’s income and her innate curiosity led her to explore beyond the boundaries of her profession. It all began with hydroponic farming—a novel concept in the Philippines at the time. Luz turned a small garden in her Cavite home into a thriving hydroponics operation called Bukid Verde Hydroponics Farm.
Her innovative approach to growing lettuce and other produce without soil earned her recognition, eventually supplying major supermarket chains like SM. Luz’s unique ability to see potential in untapped markets made her a pioneer in sustainable farming, even as she balanced her roles as a mother and wife.
Overcoming Setbacks with Resilience
Despite her success, Luz’s entrepreneurial journey was fraught with challenges. The rapid growth of her supermarket clients demanded capital she couldn’t readily provide. Faced with the decision to risk her family’s finances or scale down her business, Luz chose the latter, prioritizing her children’s education over business expansion.
“It was a controlled risk,” Luz shared. “Family comes first. I knew I could start again.”
Her determination to keep moving forward never waned. Luz transitioned to event planning, targeting overseas Filipino workers who wanted hassle-free weddings in the Philippines. For over a decade, she thrived in this industry, proving her versatility as an entrepreneur. However, when calamities like the Taal Volcano eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Luz once again had to pivot.
Innovating During the Pandemic
The pandemic could have been the end for many small businesses, but Luz turned it into an opportunity. With movement restricted and supermarkets remaining open, she shifted her focus to food distribution. Armed with her entrepreneurial instinct, Luz started selling daing na bangus (milkfish) from Pangasinan, utilizing her knowledge of food preservation and packaging.
“I thought of something practical,” Luz explained. “If the product doesn’t sell, it can feed my family.”
Her innovative approach to packaging using international-grade materials allowed her to break into local supermarkets despite the pandemic’s logistical challenges. Luz transformed her home into a makeshift warehouse, filling freezers with products and involving her family in the operations. Her ability to adapt to the times ensured that her business didn’t just survive but thrived.
Lessons in Leadership and Innovation
Luz’s story is a powerful example of adaptive leadership and the importance of continuous learning. She credits her success to her ability to anticipate future challenges, embrace change, and take calculated risks.
“One of the most important traits I developed was the ability to anticipate and act,” she said. “You can’t just sit and feel sorry for yourself. You have to keep moving.”
Her journey also highlights the value of collaboration. Luz’s partnership with her husband, who handles the financial aspects of their business, has been instrumental in their success. Together, they embody the power of teamwork and shared vision.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through her endeavors, Luz has not only provided for her family but also created opportunities for others. Her ventures have employed numerous individuals, from farmers and event staff to local distributors. Luz’s commitment to community upliftment is as inspiring as her entrepreneurial achievements.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: “Don’t let your ideas remain just ideas. Take action, even if it means starting small. Every failure is a step closer to success.”
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Luz Bernardo’s journey reminds us that success is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the courage to overcome them. Her resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to all who dream of making a difference through entrepreneurship.
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